Engine braking is the process of reducing speed by closing the throttle and allowing engine drag to slow down the motorcycle. It is essentially the process of slowing down by shutting the throttle and letting the engine drag slow you down. When you close the throttle, the engine rpm increases, and the suction increases, which results in a greater engine-braking effect. You can increase engine braking by downshifting a gear or two. Engine braking is not bad for the motorcycle engine, and it will do zero harm to it if done properly. In fact, it is a good way to safely and efficiently scrub off speed while maintaining control over the bike. Some myths surrounding engine braking include that it can cause damage due to a lack of lubrication or cause transmission or clutch damage, but these are not true. The transmission gears and clutch plates are designed to handle all of the engines power, and if they can endure full-throttle acceleration from a stop, they can certainly handle a fraction of that force while engine braking.